Gordon Ramsay has caused a storm after a foul-mouthed tirade against a popular television presenter.

The outspoken chef shocked an audience in Melbourne when he launched a vicious attack against Tracy Grimshaw, the woman dubbed ‘Australia’s answer to Fern Britton’, in front of an audience of thousands at a food and wine show.

He held up a doctored picture of a woman who appeared to be naked, posing on her hands and knees with the features of a pig and multiple breasts and as members of the audience gasped, he declared: ‘That’s Tracy Grimshaw.’

He then went on to attack Ms Grimshaw’s appearance saying: ‘I had an interview with her yesterday - holy c**p, she needs to see Simon Cowell’s Botox doctor.’

A spokesman for Ramsay would not comment, adding he was unable to contact the star because of the time difference between Britain and Australia.

A source said Ramsay had been unwell recently after a bout of food poisoning. However, he seemed to be his usual boisterous self just days before the food show incident when he was interviewed by Ms Grimshaw on her show A Current Affair.

During the interview he brought up the subject of her appearance, commenting on Ms Grimshaw’s facial mole.

He rudely asked her: ‘Is that a wart? It looks like your little sister is on your lip.’

At the time, seasoned interviewer Ms Grimshaw appeared to take his comments well.

Ms Grimshaw is a seasoned interviewer and did not react to comments on her appearance from Ramsay

But yesterday programme producer Grant Williams criticised Ramsay’s personal attack. He said the chef had gone too far and should stick to cooking rather than attempt comedy.

Audience members and women’s groups also expressed their disgust at his ‘sexist’ outburst. The Women’s Forum Australia said Ramsay should be sent home by the sponsors of his trip.

The chef has not had an easy 12 months. Last week he revealed he had been hit hard by the credit crunch. He has also been accused of an affair and been forced to defend claims he served ‘boil-in-the-bag’ meals in his gastropubs.